Erector spinae plane block as analgesia for acute renal colic

A brief systematic review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) as an analgesic option for adults attending the emergency department with renal colic. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched, and supplementary searches undertaken using Google Scholar and PubMed Medical Subject Headings. Two randomised controlled trials, two case series, one meta-analysis and one individual case were identified. Patient details, key results and study limitations were recorded in table format. Our findings support the use of ESPB as an effective form of analgesia in renal colic for initial treatment and refractory pain. Further studies should include a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate the suitability of ESPB for everyday management of renal colic.